Mint Hyderabad
Can RBI’s new rules stop digital payment fraud?
From 1 April, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will require all digital payments to be authenticated using at least two independent factors. The move aims to plug gaps in systems that rely on a single layer of verification. Will this help curb digital...
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Can the West Asia war destabilize India’s internet?
The war in West Asia has raised concerns about the safety of subsea cables. A large part of India’s data travels through these cables. If hit, the networks can still function, but companies may need to reroute data to alternative routes. Mint finds...
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Iran war boosts ethanol pitch. But at what cost?
India’s ethanol makers are pushing for a hike in the fuel blending ratio and a mandate for flex-fuel vehicles following the spike in crude oil prices due to the West Asia war. For petrol, India already has a norm of 20% blending with ethanol made from...
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DATING THE LIVING PAST
Riding Mumbai Metro’s Aqua line is a trip through the city’s history, proving that heritage is made meaningful only by its links to today. Yet, policymakers routinely define heritage only by age and not by how people use spaces.
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Will US ruling on social media hit Big Tech in India?
A US court has delivered a significant ruling on Big Tech’s design playbook, finding that Meta Platforms and Google built features that foster addiction among young users. With India weighing age-based curbs, the ruling could hasten a broader reset....
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AI constitutions: where is India’s seat at the table?
AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic’s ‘do no harm’ pledges are faltering as the West Asia war pulls tools into army use. This gap in corporate ethics and war reality sparks a query: do voluntary rules hold weight, and why is India Inc. avoiding the...
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What’s changed in Sebi’s new rules on conflict?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday tightened conflict-of-interest rules, bringing its top leadership under a stricter disclosure and investment regime amid heightened scrutiny of governance standards. Mint explains the new...
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Why India stares at an LNG squeeze, and what it can do
India imports 50% of its liquefied natural gas needs from West Asia, mostly from Qatar. With the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Ras Laffan industrial city, much of India’s imports are halted. takes a look at the impact on the country’s...
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Can IBM reboot its AI play with Confluent buy?
IBM’s second-largest acquisition ever, the $11 billion buyout of data streaming company Confluent, is seen boosting its AI and hybrid cloud capabilities. It now bets on faster, more reliable data pipelines. But can this help reassert the Big Blue’s AI...
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WAR THROUGH WOMEN’S EYES
Nalini Malani’s transforms a warehouse in Venice into an immersive animation chamber, layering myth, memory, and feminist critique through drawings, soundscapes and shifting projections on violence and history.
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How long can India hold off a fuel price hike?
Crude oil prices have surged well past $100 a barrel, increasing by about $45 per barrel after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. While several countries have increased prices, India has not. How long can the government avoid an increase?...
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What is making Nvidia rework its success strategy?
Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, launched two new chips on Monday. Chief Jensen Huang said it was changing strategy: after three years of training artificial intelligence, its new chips will now be optimized to run AI. Does this make any...
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Why Instagram’s end to encryption raises concerns
Meta will discontinue end-to-end encrypted direct messages on Instagram from 8 May, less than three years after its launch. The rollback comes at a time when encrypted messaging is facing growing scrutiny from governments concerned about crime and...
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Why definition of ‘industry’ is now under SC review
The Supreme Court on 14 March set up a nine-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, to revisit the 48-yearold definition of “industry”. The interpretation will determine which organisations and employees fall under labour...
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Will Indians still invest in Dubai’s realty sector?
Indians and people of Indian origin have been significant contributors to the Dubai real estate market in the last two years. The escalating tension and conflict in West Asia have impacted Dubai too. Will the emirate’s real estate market still draw...
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ROCKING THE BALLOT
Whether it’s Nepal’s rapper Balen, punk provocateur Jello Biafra or activist Bobi Wine, musicians have long flirted with politics—seriously or satirically—turning celebrity and dissent into electoral experiments.
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Crude oil cool-off ?
The 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) are expected to release a collective 400 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves in a bid to cool market prices. This has been billed as its largest ever oil release. It’s...
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Is govt’s order to divert gas open to legal challenge?
The West Asia war has sparked a crunch in gas supply. The Centre has set out gas use priorities in an order, which also discourages firms receiving pooled gas from legally challenging its decision. Mint explains the order, and whether courts can still...
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Why eateries are raising the alarm over LPG supply
The restaurant industry has raised concerns after a government order prioritizing cooking gas for household use triggered confusion over the availability of commercial cylinders used by eateries. explains what the order says and how the industry is...
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Claude@war: Is AI reshaping the face of conflict?
Anthropic’s Claude has reportedly sharpened strikes by the US military in the West Asia war, raising conversations around AI turning into killing machines and going against pledges by Big Tech. Is this an inflection point for AI policy worldwide? Mint...
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War: Odds and ends
Global prediction markets have evoked much interest after the Iran war broke out. On Polymarket, a platform for stablecoin bets on various outcomes, “Will the Iranian regime fall by June 30?” was offering users a ‘Yes’ token for 34 US cents and a ‘No’...
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GORILLAZ’S INDIAN ODYSSEY
Born from personal loss and an immersive journey across India, The Mountain is Gorillaz’s new album. Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett discuss blending electro-hop with Indian sounds to explore memory and rebirth.
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What the Iran war means for Street and your stocks
With the Strait of Hormuz blockade threatening energy supplies and squeezing margins for oil and chemical firms, investors are caught between gold’s safe-haven appeal and rising macroeconomic headwinds. Mint explains what the war in West Asia and the...
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Can Iran sustain a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran has ‘closed’ the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil and gas prices to spike. But how long can Iran realistically block this critical passageway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries a fifth of global oil, gas and fertilizer...
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The undesirable climate cost of your AI queries
India has positioned itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. As the country accelerates the expansion of AI-focussed data centres, policymakers and utilities face a key question: Will this strain electricity...
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A fresh start: New trade deals, new opportunities amid global turbulence, changing capital flows and private capex
New trade agreements, changing global capital flows, and strong public capex commitments could mark a decisive moment for India’s next growth phase. This roundtable will examine whether policy momentum and improved market access are translating into...
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A DECADE OF RELAXED LUXURY
Celebrating a decade of casual elegance, Nicobar founders Simran Lal and Raul Rai discuss their ₹200crore journey, the shift toward comfortable silhouettes, and their bold new venture into minimalist wedding wear.
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WhatsApp case: Indian users win control over data
On 23 February, WhatsApp told the Supreme Court it would give users greater control over their data, ending a years-long battle with India’s competition watchdog over its controversial 2021 privacy policy update. Here’s why Meta Platforms backed down,...
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The AI onslaught is on. Are India’s IT giants ready?
On Tuesday, Nasscom projected flat growth for India’s IT sector, a day after Jefferies cut target prices for the country’s Big Four IT firms, reflecting concerns over how the sector is preparing to navigate the onslaught of artificial intelligence. Is...
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Fill in the details
Given India’s extended fight against terrorism, why a policy document on countering it took so long is hard to fathom. With Prahaar, though—an acronym that lays out India’s approach on the menace—we now have a clearly laid out policy. It advocates...
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Record reserves
Typically, India’s foreign exchange reserves fall as capital inflows and the rupee weaken, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expending dollars in support of the Indian currency. So, it was something of a surprise when they hit a record high of more...
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Behind consumer durable makers‘ quarter to forget
Makers of air-conditioners, fans and refrigerators had expected a major boost from the GST cuts, but policy and external factors played spoilsport in the December quarter. Bluestar MD B. Thiagarajan termed it a quarter to forget. explains what went...
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Chef Thomas Zacharias learns to pause with ‘pa’
How to bring history alive for children
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Can Ola Electric recharge its fading spark?
A Goan consumer court’s arrest warrant against Bhavish Aggarwal, though stayed by Bombay High Court, has added to the Ola Electric Mobility founder’s woes. As Ola battles service complaints, falling sales and a reversal in investor sentiment, Mint...
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Is transport a major source of emissions? How have different sectors adopted EVs?
Yes. Transport contributes 12-13% to India’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Road transport alone accounts for about 90% of that share. Medium and heavy commercial vehicles (CVs), while comprising less than 5% of the fleet, contribute roughly...
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How quick comm became an FMCG growth engine
Established FMCG companies have historically depended on general trade for sale. Now, quick commerce—often seen as niche and favoured by premium and digital-first brands—is slowly becoming central to their growth plans. What has changed? explains. How...
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What happens today? Why does it matter? How have BangladeshIndia ties evolved?
A new government led by Tarique Rahman will be sworn in today, following the 12 February general election won by the BNP and its allies. The radical Jamaat-e-Islami and coalition partners won 77 seats. The Awami League, which was instrumental in the...
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What’s fuelling the hype around India AI summit?
India’s push for global prominence in artificial intelligence begins today. The AI Impact Summit has driven hotel prices higher in New Delhi, and attendance rates for global heads of state match those seen during the 2023 G20 summit. Why such hype?...
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NEW THREADS FROM LADAKH
An ongoing exhibition in Delhi spotlights Ladakh’s design evolution, where resident designers are tapping into their roots to re-interpret traditional textiles and embroideries as contemporary wearable art.
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India’s AI rules and the elusive quest for online safety
India notified its artificial intelligence (AI) rules this week, cutting the deadline for taking down sexual content to within two hours of reporting. For other content, the time given is three hours. Can these moves make social media safer for us?...
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Will the latest round of US-Iran talks succeed?
Iran and the US are sitting down to talk again over Tehran’s nuclear programme. What makes these talks different? Iran is on a much weaker footing than in the past. US President Donald Trump, in contrast, is riding high after the successful Venezuela...
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In vroom mode
Vehicle sales in January should put smiles on many faces. Overall retail sales, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations on Tuesday, grew about 18% from a year earlier to 2.72 million. Not only is the number...
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India-US deal: An obscure item that is stirring the pot
Under the interim trade deal with the US, India will let in an animal feed item called distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS), made from genetically modified (GM) corn. It has renewed debate on transgenics, amid fears imports may depress farm gate...
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Critical minerals: Can US-led group end China’s grip?
Citing the scale of India’s human talent, the US has invited India to join the Pax Silica initiative aimed at challenging China’s dominance in the critical minerals supply chain. Mint takes a look at whether such an initiative can succeed and why it is...
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DRESS UP FOR THE GALLERY Lounge
When the art fair comes to the Capital, so does fashion. puts together a guide for those who want to wear their art on their sleeve with prints, colour, scarves, jewellery stacks, statement pieces, and more.
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Why did Claude Cowork’s tools hit the IT sector?
On 30 January, Anthropic launched 11 plugins to its Gen AI platform, Claude Cowork. While Claude isn’t the first software to have done all this, it still sent the entire world of software into meltdown. Why did Claude make such a massive splash?...
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Chinese shipments
For all the talk about either restraining or rebalancing trade with China, India’s dealings with it are rising. In 2025, trade reached a record $155.6 billion, up 12%, according to Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong. Within it, Indian exports rose 9.7%, he...
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What should you do now that gold price is volatile?
After a blistering rally over the past year, gold prices are correcting sharply. Since the record high on 28 January, global prices have fallen over 12%. But on Tuesday, it bounced back. Here’s a guide to factors driving prices down, and how investors...
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Why our stance on AI has kept people guessing
On 29 January, the Economic Survey flagged the need for caution in developing artificial intelligence. On Sunday, the outlay proposed for the India AI Mission in the Budget was halved. This comes days before the government hosts the who’s-who of AI at...
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Over to the states Target met BY N. MADHAVAN
Despite the fiscal constraints, the thrust on public spending remains. The Budget allocated ₹12.2 trillion (₹11.2 trillion in FY26) for capex, which, at 3.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP), is the same as last two years. Its hesitance to raise...
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KUTCH BUILDS ON THE ‘BUNGA’
Twenty-five years after the 2001 earthquake, Kutch has transformed tragedy into a blueprint for resilience, blending the knowledge of ‘bhunga’ mud huts with modern engineering to redefine community led rehabilitation.
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What Bharat wants from the budget on 1 Feb
Indian agriculture has shown remarkable resilience amid growing climate risks. The sector, which employs about 46% of the workforce, has seen overall production rise but also a sharp fall in crop prices. explores five areas for the budget to...
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What’s next for the India-EU free trade agreement
After two decades of negotiations, India and the European Union (EU) have struck what they call ‘the mother of all trade deals’. Where does the deal go from here? looks at the possible timeline and challenges it can face going forward before it is...
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Will India join Donald Trump’s board of peace?
Last week, Trump launched the board of peace (BoP) to oversee interim governance and rebuilding of Gaza. European nations like the UK and France declined to join. India says it’s still examining the offer. Mint looks at why countries are hesitating and...
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New tech in town: Vibe coding and the funding hype
Vibe coding has sparked a funding frenzy in India and the US over the past six months, with startups raising capital at steep valuations. Vibe coding platform Emergent recently raised $70 million. explores the excitement around this AI-powered software...
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Partnering for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat
We are proud to be a part of India’s thriving aerospace and defence industry. With sourcing over $1.25 billion annually, we’re fostering economic growth and advancing India’s vision for self-reliance.
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THINK TASTE A Dubai food guide for every palate PAUSE
A tapestry on war that still stirs trouble
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How Trump put Nato on the brink over Greenland
US President Donald Trump’s speech at Davos was meant to be a bellwether for the trans-Atlantic relationship, particularly Nato, with his handling of Greenland closely watched. After the speech, it appears Nato has survived, but barely. examines the...
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The few bright spots for India’s slowing IT sector
The $285-billion IT services industry, employing 5.8 million people, continues to navigate headwinds from AI to geopolitics. Yet, India is central to delivering technology services at scale. Q3 results offer a view of the pressures, priorities and...
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Why the CCPA is cracking down on walkie-talkies
India’s consumer watchdog has cracked down on online retailers for selling unauthorized walkie-talkies without approvals. Regulators say these devices can interfere with communication of law-enforcement and disaster-relief agencies, posing a security...
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Discoms swing to profit. Why there is more to worry
India’s power distribution companies or discoms, reeling under high debt and operational losses for years, swung to profits in fiscal 202425. Mint explains the current financial health of the discoms and the factors behind their revival: What is the...
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In loving memory of Mohan Lal Mittal
Lakshmi Niwas and Usha Mittal Seema and Sri Prakash Lohia Saroj and Santosh Rateria Pramod and Sangeeta Mittal Vinod and Archana Mittal Amit-Aarti, Aditya-Megha, Shruti-Vikram, Vanisha-Amit, Saurabh-Neha, Sneha-Aditya, Natasha-Varun,...
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SNEH RANA’S COMEBACK
Sneh Rana is basking in cricketing glory like never before in her long career. She was part of the squad that won the World Cup and has landed a ₹50-lakh contract with Delhi Capitals. Rana tells Lounge why she’s called a “rebel”.
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Why copper will heat up AC prices in the summer
The price of copper, crucial for wiring, coils and cables, has surged nearly 60% over a year, pushing up costs for appliances—including air conditioners—electric vehicles and power infrastructure companies. Several industries are feeling the pinch. Why...
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Google blasts past $4 tn: How is it beating rivals?
On Monday, Alphabet became the fourth company to reach a $4 tn market cap after a deal with Apple to power Siri. Last week, Google’s parent also overtook Apple as the world’s second-largest firm. Its surge comes despite warnings of an AI crash. Mint...
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Why Mumbai’s new airport is signal-starved
Step into the new Navi Mumbai airport or ride the Aqua Line and it’s all world-class until your phone drops to zero bars. This is no glitch but a commercial standoff between infrastructure owners and telecom operators. Mint explains what’s going on and...
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ARCHIVING FASHION chikankari anarkalis,
Filled with swatches and archival Tarun Tahiliani’s meticulously catalogued archive is a fashion bank powering the past, present and future of his brand, while recording process, change and continuity.
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Why Indian firms often challenge drug patents
Natco’s revocation patent suit against Novo Nordisk intensifies the battle between domestic generic giants and global innovators over affordability. As we look ahead at another year of high-stakes battles, unpacks the legal landscape and who wins in...
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Can gig workers form traditional unions in India?
Gig workers’ unions organised a strike on New Years’ Eve demanding better working conditions. Zomato’s founder Deepinder Goyal said that the strike failed because gig work was valuable. But how do Indian labour laws treat gig workers and their unions?...
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Why Elon Musk’s Grok made the IT ministry fret
Ministry of electronics and information technology (Meity) ordered Elon Musk’s X to remove sexually explicit Grok-generated AI images in 72 hours, mentioning regulatory tension on AI safety, public safety, and platform accountability. Here’s what...
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ART BEYOND SOUTH MUMBAI
Mumbai Gallery Weekend 2026, which opens on 8 January, is stepping out of South Mumbai and discovering new locations, giving audiences across the city a chance to be part of the conversation on contemporary art.
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Bitcoin blues
On the first day of 2026, Bitcoin was trading at around $87,600 in early hours, down roughly 6% over the year and more than 30% from its October peak. The irony of this slide in “digital gold” is that the real thing, gold itself, has gained about 63%...
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Will next year be a turning point for AI in India?
In 2025, a dozen government-backed startups began building foundational artificial intelligence models, with one raising more than $100 million in funding. Data centres saw a massive boom as Big Tech swooped in. Mint examines what lies ahead for AI in...
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Give peace a chance
February will mark four years of the Russia-Ukraine war, but there’s a glimmer of hope that a peace deal will prevent a fifth year of hostility. High-level talks are underway. Kyiv wants Ukraine’s sovereignty backed by the West’s military as well as a...
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Why are countries offering visas to digital nomads?
Last week, Bulgaria joined a growing list of nations offering digital nomad residence permits, underscoring how remote work is being integrated into immigration policy. The pandemic-era experiment has gone mainstream. Mint breaks down how it...
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A SPORTS YEAR IN A PICTURE
Rohit Brijnath goes beyond the byline to celebrate the planning that goes into sports photography. With their masterful perspective and split-second genius, photographers turn moments of athletic chaos into art.
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